Drug Dependence: Drug Addiction, Drug Abuse, Drug Tolerance and Dependence

Dependence means that when a person stops using a drug, their body goes through “withdrawal”: a group of physical and mental symptoms that can range from mild (if the drug is caffeine) to life-threatening (such as alcohol or opioids, including heroin and prescription pain relievers). Substance dependence, also known as drug dependence, is an adaptive state that develops from repeated drug administration, and which results in withdrawal in assation of drug use. A drug addiction a distinct concept from substance dependence, is defined as compulsive; out-of-control drug use, despite negative consequences.